There are some great restaurants not all that far from the convention center. Cochon, Cochon Butcher, Capdeville, American Sector, Domenica. problem is there are so many good places. Just depends what kind of food you're looking for.

When I need a break from conference food (not that it's bad, but it's conference food) I sneak over to http://www.mothersrestaurant.net/ for some authentic Po'Boy action that can't be beat.

My personal favourite is Famous Ferdi Special (Baked Ham, Roast Beef, Debris and Gravy) or add some cheese to make it a Ralph. It is by far the best Po'Boy close to the convention center. Their cup 'o gumbo is quite good too.

Café Du Monde is an obvious staple, but I prefer the atmosphere of Café Beignet in the French quarter (closer then Café du monde) next to the police station.

@ShaneW: I believe they have relaxed the standards a bit since Katrina, and a jacket is no longer necessary. BUT NO SHORTS!!

Sunday brunch tends to be a little dressy...all in the Southern spirit and you will see women wearing hats and dressed very nicely, so keep that in mind. I would call and find out about the jacket though....just to be on the safe side.

Also....during the week, they do 25 cent MARTINI'S !!!! For you martini lovers that is the best time to go.

Also....I want to be careful how I say this....but be cautious with going to the well known restaurants ie. Emeril's. It is very inconsistent in my opinion and when you spend that much you dont want disappointing. In my experience what I found is that WHEN he is actually THERE in the kitchen...it is phenomenal, but when he is NOT, it can be quite bad.

He is quite the terror in the kitchen and keeps them in line like Marines. If you want to go there, then I'd call and see if he is in town and working....if he is not, then it is a crap shoot.

If you want fine dining, the only place that I would recommend is Commanders and ESPECIALLY Restaurant August. August is simply AMAZING...expensive, formal, but by far one of the best restaurants in the U.S. ... think French Laundry!

Another few fav's is Mosca's, and if you are up to a trip to Lakeview, then you MUST go to Draggo's

While they have one at the foot of Canal street, it simply is not the same, and the ambiance is the best at the original in Metairie (near the Lakeview Mall)

Draggo's in my opinion is simply the BEST seafood place in the city, and the very very best charbroiled oysters.